Whyte recently entered the North American market, where its 160-millimeter-travel, G-160 enduro bike and the 130-millimeter T-130 all-mountain/trail bike are sure to turn some heads. I have been testing the 2016 version of the T-130 Works carbon, and it has been impressive. For next season, Whyte relies heavily upon SRAM drivetain and suspension products, showcasing their new Eagle 12-speed drivetrain on its carbon-framed G-160 and T-130 models.
Riders unfamiliar with the UK brand will appreciate that Whyte has been on the vanguard of the present steep-seat tube angle and slack head angle geometry, and that their suspension technology has historically been ahead of its time. Most of Whyte's products are covered by a lifetime limited warranty, and because they live and ride in Great Britain's muck and rain, they get the reliability thing. Watch for the up-coming review of this year's T-130 Works and check out the following press release covering their upcoming 2017 range - RC
Enduro
G-160 Works: $5,999This is the bike our Gravity Enduro Team race on, and as such, it's got the best of everything: SRAM XX1 Eagle, RockShox Lyric and Monarch Plus suspension, SRAM Roam 60 Carbon wheels, RaceFace, Maxxis, and of course, Whyte.
Specs and Geometry
G-160 RS: $3,999 The G-160 RS features the very latest Whyte thinking on geometry. With a super-short stem and wide bar, the rider can exploit every ounce of performance from the bike.
Specs and Geometry
G-160 S: $3,199The all new G-160 S is the new entry point for the award winning G-160 range. One-by specific frame construction, Whyte's leading edge geometry, super short stem and wide bar paired with RockShox suspension.
Specs and Geometry
TRAIL
T-130 Carbon Works: $6,499The T-130 C Works features our new single ring specific Carbon frame, a full width main pivot that increases torsional stiffness, extends bearing life and maximizes suspension performance. The T130 is designed to be a full suspension version of our award winning 900 series hardtails. 130mm travel front and rear and a long and low geometry will give you full trail control.
Specs and Geometry
T-130 CARBON RS: $4,999The T-130 C Works features our new single ring specific Carbon frame, a full width main pivot that increases torsional stiffness, extends bearing life and maximizes suspension performance. The T130 is designed to be a full suspension version of our award winning 900 series hardtails. 130mm travel front and rear and a long and low geometry will give you full trail control.
Specs and Geometry
T-130 RS: $3,799The T-130 RS features our SCR single ring specific frame with mega stiff symmetrical chainstays. A full width main pivot increases torsional stiffness, extends bearing life and maximizes suspension performance, and a Shimano XT 1 by 11 drivetrain, a RockShox Pike fork, Monarch DebonAir shock, and Reverb Stealth seatpost.
Specs and Geometry
T-130 S: $3,199The T-130 platform is incredibly playful when the trail points downhill. RockShox Yari RC fork with 35mm stanchions, Monarch DebonAir shock, and Reverb Stealth seatpost, SRAM 1 by 11 GX Groupset.
Specs and Geometry
T-129 RS: $3,799The Works SCR features our 120mm travel SCR frame with symmetrical chainstays for increased stiffness, a Shimano XT 1 by 11 drivetrain , Fox Float 34 fork with Grip Damper, and the Float DPS double chamber rear shock and RockShox Reverb Stealth seatpost.
Specs and Geometry
T-129 S: $3,199The entry point to the T-129 range and 1x11 cousin to the T-129 RS, the new T-129 S features a Rockshox Reverb Stealth seatpost, so you can hit the descent without stopping to drop your saddle out the way, 120mm travel QUAD4 suspension, Rockshox Reverb Stealth seatpost, Fox 34 fork and Float shock, a Shimano SLX 1x11spd drivetrain, Race Face tubeless ready rims, and Maxxis tires.
Specs and Geometry
905 Hardtail: $ 2,199The 905 gets an all new frame for 2017. Updates include 148 x 12mm Boost dropouts, increased tire clearance, and Whyte's new BBX internal cable routing system. The 905 utilizes SRAM's GX 1x11 groupset and is equipped with a KS CRUXi dropper post, RockShox Yari RC fork, an Internally routed KS CRUXi Dropper Post, a Whyte custom 760mm bar and short gravity stem, and WTB front and rear specific TCS tires and rims.
Specs and Geometry
MENTIONS: @whytebikesUSA
What happened to choosing your frame colour and build kit separately?...
I'll stick to buying frames and building my own... Minus the naff colour schemes...
I do like the long reach on the bikes though.
Their bikes are clearly designed and spec'ed by people who ride. I haven't felt the need to change a single component on mine. I may only add a burlier rear tyre to save the rim from the speed this bike lets me reach.
As for the ride, it's just great. I can climb everyting I did with my old XC HT, with the bonus of descending at warp speed with confidence. No more OTB fear. I honestly see no reason to own an XC bike anymore. Carving corners is pure joy too. It feels stable at speed, but zippy enough to be fun on sedate trails too. A great do-it-all hardtail.
I was torn between the Honzo AL, the Explosif and the 905RS. The Whyte was more complete in terms of spec (dropper, yari, 1x11) and better VFM.
Guarantee in Europe is 4 yrs (2 on purchase and another 2 by registering online).
Their tread designs make sense though. I was sceptical of the trail boss as a front initially, but it coped fine during the summer. I doubt it will perform the same in wet conditions, but at least width/ volume is not far of the claimed size.